Handbook of Listeria Monocytogenes

<p>Once feared as a deadly intracellular bacterium with the extraordinary capacity to survive a wide array of arduous external stressors <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> is increasingly recognized as a preferred vector for delivering anti-infective and anti-cancer vaccine molecules. <br> A reliable single-source reference on the fundamental aspects of this bacterium is crucial to support future study and further the advancement of biomedical sciences and intervention strategies. <br> Drawn from an international panel of scientists with notable expertise in their respective fields the <b>Handbook of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i></b> is divided into four sections:<br> Section I discusses the biology and pathogenicity of this bacterium including epidemiology and stress responses. <br> Section II demonstrates identification and detection techniques such as phenotypic and genotypic identification strain typing and virulence determination. <br> Section III details the current knowledge of genetic manipulation of <i>Listeria</i> including comparative genomics genomic divisions epidemic clones and population structure and analysis of cell envelope proteins. <br> Section IV covers innate and adaptive immunity against <i>Listeria</i> and examines the use of this bacterium for anti-infective and anti-cancer vaccine development. <br> The first comprehensive compilation of knowledge in this area this handbook is an indispensable reference for anyone embarking on the path of manipulation of <i>Listeria</i> as either a model for the study of the host-bacterium relationship or as a tool for delivering protective molecules to cytoplasm.</p>